Definition: Regular interaction means frequent, predictable, and timely contact between the instructor and students. Students need to know when to expect interaction so they can stay engaged and on track.

Best Practices for Regular Interaction:
Twice-a-Week Rule:
Engage with students at least twice a week through announcements, feedback, or discussions.

Timeliness:
Provide feedback within 48 hours on assignments or questions.

Consistency:
Use a consistent schedule for announcements, reminders, and participation in discussion boards. Share this plan with your learners.

Example:

RSI Schedule:

M: Weekly announcement with an overview of the module and guidance on material.

T: Feedback from last week's work.

W:

Th: Participate in the discussion forum.

F:

S:

Sun: Send a progress check email to students.

Share This Plan with Your Students:

RSI Plan

As the instructor for this course, I will engage in several key activities each week to ensure that students receive consistent support, guidance, and feedback. My participation will promote a collaborative learning environment and enhance the overall learning experience.

Weekly Activities

Weekly Announcements:
Frequency: Every Monday
Content: I will post a comprehensive overview of the week’s module, including learning objectives, required readings, and important deadlines. This announcement will provide guidance on navigating the course materials and highlight any key activities or assessments.

Discussion Forum Participation:
Frequency: Active engagement on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Content: I will participate in the discussion forum by posing thought-provoking questions, responding to student inquiries, and facilitating discussions on relevant topics. My involvement will encourage student engagement and help clarify concepts. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, I will refrain from posting to allow students to focus on their discussions without instructor intervention.

Progress Check Emails:
Frequency: Every Sunday
Content: I will send a progress check email to each student, highlighting their performance, participation in discussions, and any areas for improvement. This email will serve as a personal touchpoint to ensure students feel supported and to encourage them to reach out with questions or concerns.

Feedback on Assignments:
Frequency: Within one week after submission of assignments (e.g., Fridays)
Content: I will provide constructive feedback on students’ previous week’s work, highlighting strengths and suggesting areas for improvement. This feedback will be personalized and focused on guiding students in their learning journey, promoting a growth mindset.

Summary

By implementing this RSI plan, I aim to create a supportive and interactive online learning environment that fosters student engagement and success. My consistent communication through weekly announcements, discussion forum participation, progress check emails, and timely feedback will help students stay informed and motivated throughout the course.

Definition: Substantive interactions focus on academic content. They go beyond administrative messages and contribute to students’ learning, helping them engage deeply with the material.

What Counts as Substantive Interaction?
Providing detailed feedback on assignments, highlighting areas for improvement Asking open-ended questions in discussion forums to extend conversations Hosting live review sessions that cover course concepts

Examples of Substantive Interaction:
“Great job on your essay! In your next draft, try exploring how the concept of social identity plays into your argument.” “In this week’s discussion, you mentioned X. How do you think it applies to Y? Let’s explore that idea further.”

What Doesn’t Count?
"Great job!" with no additional comments Generic feedback (e.g., “Try harder next time”)

Interaction in the context of Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) refers to the active engagement and communication between the instructor and learners that facilitates a dynamic learning environment. This interaction is crucial for promoting student understanding, fostering a sense of community, and enhancing the overall educational experience. Effective interaction involves not only providing feedback but also engaging students in meaningful discussions, responding to inquiries, and encouraging collaborative learning.

Ask yourself:

What is the purpose of the Interaction?

Enhances Learning: Interaction supports students' understanding of course material and encourages deeper engagement with the content.

Builds Community: Creates a sense of belonging among students and fosters a collaborative learning environment.

Encourages Reflection: Prompts students to reflect on their learning and consider different perspectives.

What does Interaction look like?:

RSI interactions must support student learning, helping students achieve course outcomes through actionable feedback.

Best Practices:

• Ensure feedback is directly tied to learning goals and outcomes.
• Give students next steps, such as additional resources or suggestions for improvement.
• Reinforce key concepts and provide references to course materials.

Examples:

“To strengthen your understanding of this concept, I recommend revisiting the lecture on cognitive development.”

“Great effort! For your next assignment, try using the method discussed in Week 2.”